Maria Niotis, one of two teenage girls killed in a hit-and-run in New Jersey Monday, was laid to rest Friday morning. The service took place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union. Family and friends came together in the wake of tragedy to remember a young life taken far too soon. Hundreds gathered Friday to say goodbye, and to celebrate Niotis' life.
Later Wednesday, well after news of the charges, the police chief of neighboring Westfield shared on social media that he was related to the suspect. He didn't specify the nature of the relation, but said the teen is not his son nor a "member of his immediate family." "I want to be clear, as loud and as firm as possible, that in NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life," Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro said in a statement